Abstract: The waste material is degasified under the action of heat in a pyrolysis chamber (2). The volatile degasifying products are subjected to afterburning with supply of oxygen in an afterburning chamber (4a or 4b or 4c) designed as a fluidized-bed reactor. The solids discharged from the afterburning chamber (4a or 4b or 4c) are separated off from the flue gas stream in a dust separator (8) and, preferably cooled in an external fluid-bed cooler, are recycled to the afterburning chamber (4a or 4b or 4c). The temperatures of above 2500.degree. C., which are produced in the afterburning of the carbonization gases having a high heating value (minimum 8000 kJ/m.sup.3 (S.T.P.), can be controlled.

Abstract: To cool and clean flue gases from a furnace of a waste incineration plant, the flue gases are fed to a fluidized-bed reactor (6) as fluidizing gases in a first stage (1), into which solid sorbents are simultaneously introduced to remove gaseous pollutants. Solids discharged from the fluidized-bed reactor (6), together with the unused sorbents, are preferably recirculated via a fluid-bed cooler (15). Whereas in the first stage (1), at temperatures above 600.degree. C., optimum conditions, in particular for removing SO.sub.2, are created, the flue gases are further cooled and treated in a second stage (2a, 2b, 2c). In a second circulating fluidized bed, at temperatures below 600.degree. C., excellent conditions are created for HCl removal. In addition to the optimum gas cleaning, efficient cooling is also achieved, corrosion problems on heat-transfer surfaces also being solved.

Abstract: Waste is burnt in a furnace chamber (1). The oxygen-containing flue gases resulting in this process are introduced into a fluidized bed in an afterburning chamber (5) and reburnt. Solids discharged with the flue gases from the afterburning chamber (5) are separated from the flue gases in a dust separator (9) and recycled to the afterburning chamber (5), so that a circulating fluidized bed is formed, which produces a very homogeneous temperature distribution in the afterburning chamber (5) and at the same time permits highly efficient cooling of the flue gases. A secondary oxygen feed for the afterburning is dispensed with, which enables a decrease in size both of the afterburning chamber (5) and also of the downstream heat-recovery and gas cleaning devices and improvement in efficiency resulting therefrom.

Abstract: The filter element for use in a container includes a central pipe (2) closed along its length and also provided with an opening at a lower end thereof; a cylinder surrounding this central pipe in a concentric manner and having a closable lower end, the closable lower end of the cylinder projecting beyond the lower end of the central pipe and being provided with a base; and at least two cylindrical filter means (1), which are arranged radially and symmetrically with respect to the cylinder and which communicate with the cylinder, and a group of connecting pipes, each of the cylindrical filter means being connected by one of the pipes with the cylinder.

Abstract: A release mechanism for use with a clutch release bearing of a pull type clutch comprises an element on which there is a transverse circular groove, and locking members comprising a flexible ring coaxial with a diaphragm and bearing on the circumference of a central aperture therein, and a washer with flexible lugs applied against the face of the diaphragm and coaxial with this latter so that the flexible lugs engage around the ring to render it rigid with the diaphragm. The ring is adapted to snap into the groove in the actuating element at the moment of engagement.

Abstract: The mechanism includes a release member including a driving element in which is formed a circular groove. A washer which in use is coaxial with a diaphragm of the clutch is provided with clips which pass through a release ring. A flexible retaining ring is gripped resiliently between the release ring and the washer for location in the groove during coupling of the driving element to the clutch. The load derived from the resilient engagement of the retaining ring against the washer and release ring is insufficient to overcome a resilient grip between the clips and the release ring.

Abstract: A friction clutch cover assembly comprises a cover and a pressure plate connected to the cover by flexible straps. An outer flange of the cover is deformed adjacent to each flexible strap to provide a respective abutment surface which in the event of excessive pressure plate movement away from the cover each flexible strap will contact to limit said movement.